Virginia Woolf Who can say it better than Virginia Woolf? “No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody But yourself.” A Room of One’s Own
Author: laurelrichardsonblog
BOOK AWARD FOR LOST TWIN!
It is with great pleasure and humility that I learned that Lone twin: A true story of loss and found has been awarded an Honorable Mention by the book review panel for the 2020 Book Award from the International Congress for Qualitative Inquiry.
Papillons Move In
The Papillon’s breeder, Trudy, parks her van in our driveway, and we carry Petco dog-stuff into Lily and Bashi’s designated room in their Forever Home. The human guest bed is still in their room but the south wall is ready for everything dog. Trudy plugs the “dog calmer” into the south wall socket. The Paps … Continue reading Papillons Move In
PROTECTING PRIVACY, PROTECTING SELF
Cousins on my Paternal Side How can we protect the identities of people we write about but still tell the “truth”? I just faced that problem (again) in writing about the death of a very dear friend. (See Blog, 80 + Candles, Jan’s Death). I originally wrote the story using correct names lest I confuse myself … Continue reading PROTECTING PRIVACY, PROTECTING SELF
Jan’s Death
Lalique St. Francis I Jan’s purple flowered gown has fallen open. I see scars on her breast and the chemo port. Her eyes are open, her breathing shallow. She smiles her twinkly smile. This is Friday, and Jan’s first day in Heartland Hospice. Heartland Hospice is familiar territory to me. I spent many hours here … Continue reading Jan’s Death
Maybe I don’t want to be Cremated
Waldheim Cemetery, Chicago...Grandparents buried there...A plot left for me, should I choose it. Twenty years ago or so, I was a member of a Rosh Chodesh (new moon) women’s group that Orlene Schimburg led at Beth Tikvah. Most of us were in our sixties. At one meeting, Orlene asked us to share our major regret. … Continue reading Maybe I don’t want to be Cremated
Writing and Quilting
I have two major creative activities: writing and fabric art. I have done them since I was a child. I embroidered the center of the art quilt when I was five; the border I created four years ago from 1940s vintage fabrics. I can only do one creative activity in some unspecified but clear to … Continue reading Writing and Quilting
Petco
Dogs on Leashes Welcomed Here “My daughter made this little toy for Bashi and Lily so they will always have familiar scents around them,” Trudy tells us as she places a stuffed calico cat on our ottoman. Bashi sniffs it, mouths it and gives it to Lily, who sniffs it, drops it and walks into … Continue reading Petco
D-DAY
Bashi Lily A full trimester! That’s how long we have to wait for Bashi and Lily to join our family. Both of them have to be neutered by Trudy’s veterinarian sister---the only vet she trusts because anesthesia in little pups is dangerous, and even with her sister’s expertise the Paps will … Continue reading D-DAY
I Am Well!!
A well baby I was at one year, too! “You have to see Doctor Sharkis,” Ernest says, shaking me awake. “I’m worried about you. I’ve made you an appointment.” Dr. Sharkis looks at my ears, mouth, eyes. He cups my throat. I choke. He pushes gently on my abdomen. I call out. He touches my … Continue reading I Am Well!!
Laurel Richardson 